The Importance of Using the Correct Cleaning Products for Different Surfaces

From the glass windows of office buildings to the stainless-steel counters in restaurant kitchens—each surface needs unique cleaning products that are best suited for each environment. Using the incorrect cleaning products can create an ineffective cleaning outcome on surfaces. Furthermore, it can potentially damage surfaces or even put human health at risk.

Using The Wrong Products

Using incorrect cleaning chemicals on certain surfaces can damage them, resulting in scratches, marks, or even weaken the structure of the surface. For example, applying an abrasive cleaner on glass might cause scratching and cause permanent damage to the glass surface. On the other hand, utilising a glass cleaner on a stainless-steel surface could result in streaks or other forms of residue. It’s important to make sure that the products you are using are suitable for the specific surfaces you are cleaning.

Health and Safety

Commercial spaces experience high volumes of foot traffic, with many people coming and going. This increases the risk of spreading germs or allergens if surfaces are not correctly cleaned. Using the incorrect cleaning chemicals can further contaminate surfaces instead of sanitizing them. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the correct specialized cleaning agents that are both effective and appropriate for the specific setting. For instance, restaurants need cleaning products that are not only excellent against germs but also food-safe to prevent contamination in food preparation areas. Make sure to keep this in mind when selecting and purchasing cleaning chemicals.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Utilising the appropriate cleaning products not only enhances the effectiveness of your cleaning but also helps further your efficiency — which is crucial in commercial environments where saving time is important. The right cleaning agents work quickly and decisively, allowing you to cover larger areas in less time.

Regulatory Compliance

There is also a chance that there may be regulations and guidelines that you or your cleaners will need to adhere to, especially when it comes to certain cleaning products and surfaces. One of the most common ones is COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), which requires businesses to manage the risks associated with hazardous substances, including cleaning chemicals. Under COSHH, employers are obligated to provide proper training to employees on how to handle these substances safely, as well as ensure adequate storage and labelling of the products stored. COSHH sheets can be used to see what the cleaning product has and the hazards of it.

Environmental Considerations

Lastly, make sure to consider the environmental impact of your cleaning products. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly options that are biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals. Transitioning to more sustainable cleaning products can benefit the environment while also reducing the usage of harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces.

Common Surfaces in Commercial Settings

There are so many different types of surfaces when cleaning in a commercial setting, especially in schools, shops, and restaurants. As a professional cleaner, you will need to know and understand how to sanitise each surface correctly and efficiently with each different cleaning product.

Stainless Steel (Common in Restaurant Kitchens)

Commonly used in restaurant kitchens for their anti-corrosive and easy-to-clean properties, stainless steel surfaces require specialized cleaning products to maintain their shine and prevent water spots. It’s essential to avoid abrasive pads to make sure the finish is not damaged.

Hardwood Flooring (Found in Shops and Offices)

Hardwood flooring can display a warm and welcoming atmosphere to customers and visitors, making it a popular choice in retail spaces and corporate environments. However, the upkeep demands attention to detail. Make sure to use non-harsh chemicals on this type of surface to not damage the hardwood, such as eco-friendly cleaning products.

Laminate (Typically Seen in Schools and Offices)

Laminate surfaces are durable and cost-effective, which makes them popular in settings that require resistance to wear and tear, such as school gyms. The non-porous nature of laminate means that most types of general-purpose cleaners can be used on it. However, you should try to avoid abrasive cleaning chemicals that could scratch or dull the surface.

Glass (A Staple in Office Buildings)

Glass surfaces are a popular choice for modern buildings for allowing optimal light for employees, especially in offices. Use cleaners that are specialised for glass cleaning to keep these surfaces sparkling clean. Again, you will need to make sure that you do not use abrasive cleaning chemicals on glass as it can potentially cause permanent damage.

To Wrap Up

To highlight, recognizing the necessity to use the right cleaning products for various surfaces in commercial environments is crucial for a professional cleaner. Make sure to ensure that the cleaning process is safe, effective, and compliant with regulations, especially in high-traffic areas such as schools and offices.

In this blog post, we delved into the significance of choosing the correct cleaning products for different surfaces found in commercial settings. We highlighted several common surfaces you might encounter and recommended specific products to maintain their cleanliness effectively. Armed with this knowledge, you or your cleaning staff will be better equipped to handle cleaning tasks in a range of commercial areas.

At Wessex Cleaning Equipment, we are your one-stop shop for all your cleaning needs, offering a vast selection of over 2,000 products, from eco-friendly stainless-steel cleaners to specialised scrubber dryers ideal for gymnasiums.